"Hey Jim, who's gonna win the Super Bowl?"

Viewers presume Jim's powers of prognostication

It's a question that people in my line of work hear on a regular basis. "Hey Jim, who's gonna win the Super Bowl?" You can also substitute, World Series, NCAA basketball tournament, and bowl games involving West Virginia and Ohio State.

My stock replay is. "If I knew that, I'd be in Las Vegas betting my life savings!". The answer usually brings a smile from the person who asked the question...or a groan from from friends and family who've heard the routine before. By the way, I've been asked why not say Atlantic City instead, just to change things up. To which I reply, if I'm gonna strike it rich, I'd rather do it in Nevada than New Jersey. (Apologies to Courtney Rochon for the cheap shot Jersey Joke)

It's easier to answer the question one week before the Super Bowl. I've got a coin flipper's chance of being right. It's when I'm asked the question in August that makes its tough. If they only knew my track record of judging NFL talent as a fantasy football owner, (see my blog "Fantasy or Nightmare") they would not be seeking my guidance.

People who ask the Super Bowl question usually are seeking affirmation of their opinion. So I'll draw them out by asking who they think will win. Then I tell them that's a pretty solid pick and they could very well be right . Except for the time last September, when somebody replied the Arizona Cardinals. Then I kind of snapped... what kind of idiot would even think the Arizona Cardinals could even MAKE IT to the Super Bowl?

I ventured into the prediction business a couple of weeks ago for the Conference Championships. My Steelers pick was well reasoned and correct. My Eagles pick (based on an eagle's obvious size and talon advantage over a mere cardinal) did not work out.

So, really, who's gonna win the Super Bowl?

My lock of the century pick:

Pittsburgh 24 Arizona 14 *

That's all for now, I'm off to Las Vegas to put my money where my mouth is....as soon as i can get my life savings from my financial guru Bernie Madoff.

* No guarantee expressed or implied. Prediction valid in continental U.S. only. Void where prohibited by law. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment while under the influence of this prediction. If you experience a sense of euphoria lasting more than 4 hours, contact reality.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.